Intel's double vision

Intel Corporation has completed initial production runs of dual-core processors and provided further details about its multi-core plans to its customers, signalling the beginning of an era when PCs will have two or more 'brains' inside.

Intel plans to deliver two separate dual-core products and dual-core-enabled chipsets for its Pentium processor-class families in the second quarter, including the Pentium processor Extreme Edition. The Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition will include hyper-threading technology, providing the ability to process four software 'threads' simultaneously.

Dual- and multi-core products are designed by including two or more full CPU cores within a single processor, enabling the simultaneous managing of activities. When combined with HT Technology, which allows a processor to present itself as two logical processors, the Pentium Processor Extreme Edition product can process four software threads simultaneously by more efficiently using resources that otherwise may sit idle.

Platforms based around Intel's dual-core Pentium Processor Extreme Edition are a solution for PC computing and entertainment enthusiasts who crave computing power for audio, video, digital design and gaming tasks. The Pentium Processor Extreme Edition will be combined with a new chipset named the Intel 955X Express chipset, formerly codenamed 'Glenwood', that includes features such as Intel High Definition Audio, PCI-Express and faster dual-channel DDR-2 memory. Intel will also couple its mainstream 'Smithfield' processor with two new chipsets named the Intel 945G Express chipset and Intel 945P Express chipset, both previously code-named 'Lakeport' in the second quarter of the year.

Intel has more than 10 multi-core related projects under way and plans to increase its software and solutions enabling product lines, tools, investment and programs to further spur software design and validation.